Bizzariya
Bizzariya offers talented Palestinian handcrafters and artists with a platform to professionally showcase and sell their creations online. With a group of partners invested in Bizzariya, and a core team that consists of four members including project coordinator Abeer Kamal, professional marketer Rana Salomin who showcases the handcrafts, and web developers who run and maintain the online platform.
Bizzariya currently features twelve small project owners who offer rare and high quality Palestinian created crafts. Bizzariya works to provide a unique experience for customers and handcrafters alike to engage in an online platform that supports local Palestinian heritage as well as businesses especially those led by women, Abeer explains, “We provide Palestinian women who work from home with the platform and opportunity to professionally showcase and sell their crafts to interested customers online.”
In addition to the online Platform Bizzariya’s services include a complimentary delivery service as well as developing their client’s visual identity, Rana explains, “We not only provide a platform for small businesses but we offer comprehensive workshops and trainings to teach our clients not only how to present and showcase their crafts but to strategically price their products to attract potential customers.” Rana continues, “We help our clients create a distinctive visual identity utilizing graphic design to develop a logo, banner as well as to help our clients create a professional Facebook profile so that they can become self-sufficient."
Bizzariya also offers their clients many services including the production of videos to publish on their Facebook page that allows customers to get to know the handcrafters better and have a glimpse into the meticulous work the handcrafters put into their arts and crafts projects. Bizzariya’s online platform features distinctive shops per seller showcasing their products to better acquaint consumers with the craft developer of their choice.
Bizzariya currently targets Palestinian markets but as they continue to secure investments and sustainably acquire more clients as well as customers to their site, Bizzariya hopes to enhance their delivery capabilities by lowering shipping costs to deliver traditional handcrafted Palestinian arts and crafts worldwide. Abeer describes Bizzariya’s appeal amongst home based startups, “Bizzariya is more convenient for women working from home, because they do not need to rent a physical space in stores or trade shows which can be very costly. Instead handcrafters are able to utilize our platform as a digital space twenty-four house a day and seven days a week at no additional costs to not only show case their creations but sell them and create a name for themselves.”
Both Abeer and Rana emphasize the social significance of Bizzariya, Abeer expresses, “Our message is to support and encourage women to utilize their craft skills to secure their livelihoods and become independent.” Rana adds, “There are many marginalized women who produce handicrafts, but they do not understand the value of their work. We want to help them realize the value of their crafts and offer them a platform and services that showcase their skills and sell their crafts!”